Dan’s Fans walk

Just a sampling of Dan’s Fans from 2009.
Submitted photo It started as a simple tribute to a kind man.

Seven years later, the Holden-based Dan’s Fans team has become one of the premier fundraising forces in all of Central Mass in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The team hopes to continue that success in the annual Worcester County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester.

The team was formed by Mary Ann McGrain and Ann Harrington in honor of Dan Harrington Jr., best known for his world-renowned dealership, Sunnyside Ford in Holden. McGrain, Dan’s daughter and team captain, said it was a way to show thanks for a lifetime of selflessness.

“Many still say, ‘He did so much for me,’ and did it without wanting recognition,” she said. “We feel this is a small thing we can do to honor him.”

“He did a lot of things for people behind the scenes that no one knew about,” said Ann Harrington, Dan’s widow. “He would be embarrassed if he knew we were doing this for him.”

His daughter Sue said Dan was always the first one to step up and do something for those in need. After Dan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Dan’s Fans was formed and raised a quick $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association in the walk, then-known as the Memory Walk.

The group annually tops $10,000 in collected funds, earning it five consecutive years of being named “highsteppers.”

In its top year, Dan’s Fans raised $19,000 for the cause. The group raised $17,000 a couple of years ago when the tribute to the Holden man became a memorial.

“It just grew,” said Ann Harrington. “I never thought it would go this far.”

The group’s successful track record of fundraising has lasted through a down economy that team members say has made receiving donations trickier in recent years. McGrain said with many other worthy walks coinciding with the outdoor-friendly month of September, she understands the difficulty when it comes to giving.

“People have their own worthy causes and it becomes difficult after the first couple years to give,” she said. “I really believe because my father touched so many lives, it made people want to continue donating to this cause.”

Dan’s Fans has dozens of volunteers, many of whom take part in the walk. The experience with others touched by the disease has been a powerful reason to continue the endeavor.

Friends along the way help, as well.

“It’s overwhelming,” said McGrain. “It’s amazing to think so many people have this horrible disease. It is great to see so many who want to walk for this cause.”

Purple flowers currently decorate the windows at Sunnyside Ford – $1 contributions available at the business to help with the ongoing effort to combat Alzheimer’s. The walk this year will also be reflected in the Sunnyside décor – a 20”x30” plaque in memory of Dan.

The inscription will read: “Calm friendly man, always smiling, committed to business and community.” Ann hopes it will serve as a reminder for those walking on Sept. 25 that the disease touches many who once had such a profoundly positive impact on communities such as Holden.

“My husband was my best friend,” Ann said. “He was the best husband and father one could ask for. We want to keep trying, in his honor.”

Dan’s Fans continues to seek donations to reach its goal. To contribute, visit memorywalk2010. kintera.org/ manh/ maryannmcgrain. Donations for the walk will be accepted through Oct. 31.